› added 11 years ago

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TIL, originally, the term ‘masterpiece’ referred to a piece of work produced by an apprentice or journeyman aspiring to become a master craftsman in the old European guild system.

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JY79m TIL about Operation Chariot. The WWII mission where 611 British Commandos rammed a disguised, explosive laden destroyer, into one of the largest Nazi submarine bases in France filled with 5000 nazis, withdrew under fire, then detonated the boat, destroying one of the largest dry docks in the world.
8bnZ TIL ESPN won an emmy for the creation of the superimposed yellow line representing the first down line for American football games.
Wv7d TIL that a group of islands in the Pacific called the Pitcairn Islands are some of the most remote islands in the world with a population of ~50 people. The islands have a very interesting history and are accepting applications for new residents!
v1GB4 TIL that as a marketing and publicity stunt three copies of a John Otway single in 1979 were pressed without a vocal track. Purchasers of the 'instrumental' copies would 'win' a live performance of the song by Otway in their own living room, while they played the record on their home stereo.
YPbx TIL the boy scouts, who don’t allow gay leaders and only recently have allowed gay scouts, was founded by a gay combat veteran.